Touchless activation of a toilet

ABSTRACT

A toilet sensor and actuator assembly, having: (a) an infrared sensor configured to detect the presence of an object at a far distance from a toilet; (b) an ultrasonic sensor configured to detect the presence of the object at a near distance from the toilet, wherein the ultrasonic sensor remains in a sleep mode until awakened by a signal from the infrared sensor that the infrared sensor has detected the presence of the object at the far distance; and (c) an actuator mechanism that flushes the toilet in response to a signal from the ultrasonic sensor that the ultrasonic sensor has detected the presence of the object at the near distance.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication 61/738,210, entitled “Touchless Activation of A FlushToilet”, filed Dec. 17, 2012, the entire disclosure of which isincorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to systems that cause a toilet to flushwithout a user having to touch the toilet, or touch objects mounted onthe toilet.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many sensor systems currently exist for causing toilets or urinals toflush when a user moves away from them. In addition, sensor systemscurrently exist to cause faucets to turn on when a user's hands movetowards them. However, the biggest problem with these sensors is thatthey use infrared sensing.

Infrared sensing has many drawbacks. For example, infrared sensing isaffected by ambient light levels, the color or surface texture of theobject that reflects the light, and even the room temperature. In fact,a user's shadow cast inadvertently over the sensor can cause it tofunction at the wrong time, or not function at all.

Any of these above factors can affect the timing of the actuatortriggering, and whether or not the actuator even triggers. As any personwho has used public bathrooms can attest, the automatic flushing of thetoilet or the automatic turning on of the faucet at the counter can beunpredictable. All too often, the toilet flushes too quickly or not atall, and the user is later waving their soapy hands under the faucet inan attempt to turn it on.

What is instead desired is an activation sensor system that is reliableand is not affected by changes in ambient light, reflecting surfacecolors or textures or inadvertent shadows being cast over the sensor. Itis also desirable that such system be cost effective such that it can beincorporated into residential toilet designs when a “touchless” flushingwould be desired. As will be explained, the present invention providessuch a solution.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a system that uses an ultrasonic sensorto trigger the flushing of a toilet (or activation of some other deviceor appliance). The advantages of using an ultrasonic sensor (topreferably detect the presence of a user's hand close to a sensor)include the fact that ultrasound is not affected by ambient lightlevels. In addition, ultrasound is not affected by the color of theuser's clothing that it reflects off of; nor is it affected by thesurface texture of the user's clothing. Ultrasonic sensors are also lesssensitive to temperature variations temperature. Yet another advantageof ultrasonic sensors in general is that they don't require opticallenses.

The present ultrasonic sensor is preferably configured to detect anobject. An advantage of ultrasonic detection (as compared to infrareddetection) is that ultrasonic detection can offer distance detection.Therefore, ultrasonic detection can be used to determine the distance ofthe object where the infrared sensing is used to detect the presence ofthe object. The present system can therefore be calibrated such that astatic (i.e.: non-moving) object in the sensing field (such as a showercurtain or cabinet) does not trigger the flush activation. In oneoptional preferred embodiment, the ultrasonic sensor is configured todetect objects at a near distance (while the infrared sensor will detectthe object at a far distance). As such, the toilet only flushes when theuser's hand is positioned quite close to the sensor switch on the sideof the toilet. The more precise the sensing range and sensitivity of thedetection method, the more accurate the activation signal will be.Therefore, the toilet will flush only when desired. Moreover, anotheradvantage of using an ultrasonic sensor is that it allows for “ranging”(i.e.: determining the distance from an object to the sensor). Anultrasonic sensor can therefore reliably determine whether the object isclose or far from the toilet which may be useful if the sensor is totrigger different actions at different times depending on the locationor movement of the user. Moreover, the ultrasonic detection (as comparedto infrared detection) will advantageously be affected less by color ortexture variations. This also improves system reliability.

Unfortunately, the only disadvantage with using an ultrasonic sensor (ascompared to infrared sensors) is relatively higher power consumption.Specifically, if an ultrasonic sensor is battery powered, it may requirethe user to change batteries too frequently. The alternative to usingbattery power would be for the sensor system to be connected to abathroom AC outlet. Unfortunately, many users would not opt for a toiletthat has to be plugged into a wall power supply in their privateresidence.

Therefore, the present invention also provides a novel system of powerconservation for the ultrasonic sensor. In brief, this system comprisesusing an infrared sensor in combination with an ultrasonic sensorwherein the ultrasonic sensor remains primarily in a (power conserving)“sleep mode” and is only awakened by the infrared sensor when theinfrared sensor detects a user at a distance (for example, when the userenters the bathroom). In preferred embodiments, the infrared sensor is a“passive infrared sensor”. Such a passive infrared sensor offers theadvantage of low power detection of thermal gradients (e.g.: a person ora hand), but do not offer proximity or distance information. Therefore,the present invention couples infrared sensing with the ultrasonicsensing system. Since the infrared sensor uses far less power than theultrasonic sensor, the resulting system requires far less power thanusing an “always on” ultrasonic sensor. This both extends system batterylife, and improves system performance (i.e.: thereby accuratelytriggering the flushing at the proper times). Moreover, the infraredsensor is ideally suited to detect a person's body or a person's handsince the infrared sensor will be detecting the heat given off by theperson's body. Thus, the infrared sensor can first detect the presenceof the user (by viewing a thermal gradient), with the awakenedultrasonic sensor then detecting the person's body or a person's hand ata close distance.

In preferred embodiments, the present invention provides a sensor andactuator assembly, comprising: (a) an infrared sensor configured todetect the presence of an object; (b) an ultrasonic sensor configured todetect the presence of the object, wherein the ultrasonic sensor remainsin a sleep mode until awakened by a signal from the infrared sensorafter the infrared sensor has first detected the presence of the object;and (c) an actuator mechanism that activates in response to a signalfrom the ultrasonic sensor that the ultrasonic sensor has detected thepresence of the object. Preferably, the infrared sensor is configured todetect the presence of the object at a far distance and the ultrasonicsensor is configured to detect the presence of the object at a neardistance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cutaway perspective view of a toilet with the presentflushing sensor and actuator assembly mounted thereon.

FIG. 2 is a close up front perspective view of the sensor and actuatorassembly.

FIG. 3 is a close up rear perspective view of the sensor and actuatorassembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates the placement of the present invention on a toilet.As will be explained, the present invention ideally provides a systemfor detecting the presence of a user's hand near a sensor to cause thetoilet to flush. It is to be understood, however, that the presentinvention is not limited to systems for flushing toilets. For example,the present invention can also be used for flushing urinals, or forturning on a faucet at a sink counter. In fact, the present inventioncan even be used to activate, or turn on, any device or appliance,including but not limited to, bathroom and kitchen devices andappliances. The advantage of the present invention is that it provides“touchless” operation for the user. In other words, the user need nottouch the toilet or any device mounted on the toilet to cause the toiletto flush. This, of course, improves hygiene, and is desirable both inpublic bathrooms and in in private residences. (Note: FIG. 1 is a cutaway view also showing internal components of the toilet, to illustrateflushing operation).

FIGS. 2 and 3 show close up perspective views of assembly 10. Assembly10 is received through a hole in the side of the toilet tank. Assembly10 comprises a housing having an outer portion 12 disposed to protrudeout of the side of the toilet tank wall, and an inner portion 14disposed within the toilet tank. A screw cap 15 (positioned within thetank) can be rotated to tighten assembly 10 into the hole in the toilettank. As such, the tank wall becomes sandwiched between screw cap 15 andthe large radius flange 13 on outer portion 12. Mid-portion 16 isdimensioned to fit snuggly in the hole passing through the tank wall.Thus, the radius of portion 16 is only very slightly smaller than theradius of the hole itself.

Sensor and actuator assembly 10 comprises an infrared sensor 20 and anultrasound sensor 22. It is to be understood that an “ultrasound sensor”as described herein preferably comprises an ultrasound transducer, beinga membrane that is excited and resonates. This membrane receives soundenergy and thus creates a voltage potential based on the amplitude ofthe sound pressure. Pushing pad 21 is a manual on/off switch that turnsthe entire system on and off. In addition, a manual flush activationbutton 23 is also provided (for example in the event of a powerfailure).

Infrared sensor 20 is configured to detect the presence of an object,and is used to “wake up” ultrasonic sensor 22. During normal operation,ultrasonic sensor 22 is in a “sleep mode” such that system powerconsumption is significantly reduced. When a user enters the room, ormoves close to the toilet, the infrared sensor 20 will detect thepresence of the user. At this time, the infrared sensor 20 will thenturn on ultrasonic sensor 22, thereby awakening it from its sleep.Finally, when the user's hand is positioned close to the ultrasonicsensor 22 itself, a signal will be sent to an actuator mechanism thatwill trigger toilet flushing. In this way, the user's hand need only bepositioned a few inches from the outer portion 12 of assembly 10 tocause the toilet to flush. The benefit of using an ultrasonic sensor atthese close distances (as opposed to a standard infrared sensor, if anobject is too close to the infrared sensor, then a user's hand may shadethe sensor causing it to fail to detect the increase in reflected light.

In one optional embodiment, the actuator mechanism 30 will cause asolenoid (not shown) to move an internal plunger to move air through apneumatic cable (or simply push or pull a physical cable), designatedherein as element 32. The movement of, or through, element 32 can beused to cause flush valve 34 to flush the toilet. It is to be understoodthat the structure of elements 32 and 34 is not limited to anyparticular embodiment or device. One example of a suitable activationmechanism (i.e.: a system comprising elements 32 and 34) is found inU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/943,991, entitled “Toilet DischargeValve Assembly Having Moveable Buoyant Float Therein”, filed Jul. 17,2013, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by referencein its entirety. The system disclosed in that patent application uses aswitch (labeled as element #42) to selectively open and close an airpassageway to permit a buoyant float (covering a discharge valve) tolift and thereby flush the toilet. Any other device (including but notlimited to a lever arm) may be part of actuator mechanism 30.

Again, it is to be understood that the above flush valve 34 example isnot limiting. Any suitable actuation mechanism may instead be used inaccordance with the present invention. Moreover, actuator mechanism 30could be an electrical actuator that turns on a power switch, ahydraulic actuator that turns on a faucet tap, or more generally, anyactuation mechanism that activates any appliance or device. Differentactuator mechanisms can be used such that the present invention can betailored to the use of many different products.

In preferred embodiments, infrared sensor 20 detects the presence of theobject at a far distance and ultrasonic sensor 22 detects the presenceof the object at a near distance. The far distance can be up to ten ormore feet, but could also be shorter distances like 0 to 24 inches, oreven just 0 to 15 inches. It is to be understood that the presentinvention is not limited to any specific “far distance”. In variouspreferred embodiments, the near distance is preferably less than 8inches. Most preferably, the near distance is less than 3 inches. Theadvantage of this configuration is that a reliable ultrasonic sensorsystem is used to detect the user's hand when the user's hand is withina few inches from assembly 10. The advantage is that ultrasounddetection is much more reliable than simple infrared detection (as wasexplained above). However, by relying on the infrared sensor to firstdetect the user entering the room, and then turn on ultrasonic sensor22, assembly 10 conserves the power required to operate ultrasonicsensor 22. Moreover, the actuator mechanism 30 only activates after boththe infrared sensor 20 and the ultrasonic sensor 22 have both detectedthe object. This further increases the reliability of the system.

In preferred aspects, actuator mechanism 30 comprises: a solenoid; aplunger rod in the solenoid, the plunger rod being moved by electriccurrent passing through the solenoid; and a pneumatic tube or aconnecting cable 32. Movement of the plunger rod causes air to move inthe pneumatic tube or wherein movement of the plunger rod moves theconnecting cable, and wherein the movement of air in the pneumatic tubeor the movement of the connecting cable causes flush valve 34 to causethe toilet to flush. Assembly 10 preferably comprises a housing 40,wherein the infrared sensor 20, the ultrasonic sensor 22 and thesolenoid (not shown) are all disposed within (or on) the housing.

In preferred embodiments, assembly 10 further comprises a battery powersupply canister 50 that supplies the power to both infrared sensor 20and ultrasonic sensor 22. Optionally, the battery canister 50 can beconnected to housing 40 such that the battery canister 50 is alsodisposed within toilet tank. It is be understood, however, that thebatteries can instead be disposed within the same physical housing asthe infrared and ultrasonic sensors.

In preferred embodiments, assembly 10 further comprises amicrocontroller (not shown) disposed within housing 40. Themicrocontroller receives the signal from infrared sensor 20 that theobject has been detected and then sends a signal to the ultrasonicsensor 22 to awaken the ultrasonic sensor from its sleep mode.

In some optional preferred embodiments, the present invention simplyprovides an ultrasonic sensor 22 configured to detect the presence of anobject; and a flush actuator mechanism 30 that flushes a toilet inresponse to a signal from the ultrasonic sensor when the ultrasonicsensor detects the presence of the object. (In these embodiments, theinfrared sensor is omitted, and the ultrasonic sensor remains on. Theseembodiments may be appropriate if the power drain on the battery pack islow enough or the power supply is high enough such that the ultrasonicsensor 22 can be left on at all times).

The present invention also provides a method of actuating a device by:

(a) detecting the presence of an object using infrared sensor 20 mountedon the device; (b) awaking an ultrasonic sensor 22 from a sleep modeafter the infrared sensor 20 has detected the presence of the object,wherein ultrasonic sensor 22 is also mounted on the device; (c)detecting the presence of the object with ultrasonic sensor 22; and (d)activating an actuator mechanism 30 in response to the ultrasonic sensordetecting the presence of the object.

What is claimed is:
 1. A sensor and actuator assembly, comprising: aninfrared sensor configured to detect the presence of a user at a fardistance; an ultrasonic sensor configured to detect the presence of theuser at a near distance, wherein the ultrasonic sensor remains in asleep mode until awakened by a signal from the infrared sensor after theinfrared sensor has first detected the presence of the user at the fardistance; and an actuator mechanism that activates in response to asignal from the ultrasonic sensor that the ultrasonic sensor hasdetected the presence of the user.
 2. The sensor and actuator assemblyof claim 1, wherein the near distance is less than 8 inches.
 3. Thesensor and actuator assembly of claim 2, wherein the near distance isless than 3 inches.
 4. The sensor and actuator assembly of claim 1,wherein the actuator is a toilet flush actuator.
 5. The sensor andactuator assembly of claim 1, wherein the actuator is a faucetactivation actuator.
 6. The sensor and actuator assembly of claim 1,wherein the actuator is an appliance activation actuator.
 7. A sensorand actuator assembly for causing a toilet to flush, comprising: aninfrared sensor configured to detect the presence of a user; anultrasonic sensor configured to detect the presence of the user; and anactuator mechanism that activates in response to a signal from theultrasonic sensor that the ultrasonic sensor has detected the presenceof the user, wherein the actuator mechanism comprises: a solenoid; aplunger rod in the solenoid, the plunger rod being moved by electriccurrent passing through the solenoid; and a pneumatic tube or aconnecting cable, wherein movement of the plunger rod causes air to movein the pneumatic tube or wherein movement of the plunger rod moves theconnecting cable, and wherein the movement of air in the pneumatic tubeor the movement of the connecting cable causes the toilet to flush. 8.The sensor and actuator assembly of claim 7, further comprising: ahousing, wherein the infrared sensor, the ultrasonic sensor and thesolenoid are all disposed within the housing.
 9. The sensor and actuatorassembly of claim 8, wherein the housing passes through a toilet tankwall.
 10. The sensor and actuator assembly of claim 8, wherein theassembly further comprises: a battery power supply that supplies powerto the infrared sensor and the ultrasonic sensor.
 11. The sensor andactuator assembly of claim 10, further comprising: a battery canister,wherein the battery canister is connected to the housing and the batterycanister is disposed within a toilet tank.
 12. A method of actuating adevice comprising: detecting the presence of a user at a far distanceusing an infrared sensor; detecting the presence of the user at a neardistance with the ultrasonic sensor, wherein the ultrasonic sensorremains in a sleep mode until awakened by a signal from the infraredsensor after the infrared sensor has first detected the presence of theuser at the far distance; and activating an actuator mechanism inresponse to the ultrasonic sensor detecting the presence of the user.13. The method of claim 12, the actuator mechanism flushes a toilet. 14.The sensor and actuator assembly of claim 1, wherein the far distance isup to 10 feet.
 15. The sensor and actuator assembly of claim 1, whereinthe far distance is up to 24 inches.